Springfield citizens getting out-of-state calls about pseudoephedrine

Oct. 2, 2012

Written by

City officials say Springfield citizens are receiving phone calls from out-of-state call centers that give “confusing information” regarding a potential restriction on the sale of pseudoephedrine — muddying the water before debate has started.

During the calls, citizens are being coached on what to say to City Council members before being transferred directly to them, according to city officials.

Sgt. Jason Grellner, of the Missouri Narcotics Association, said this would happen.

Grellner, who has advocated in favor of prescription requirements in communities across the state, said his efforts have faced “unrelenting opposition” from organizations that represent pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

"They stand to lose a lot of money," Grellner said.

Grellner told the News-Leader last week that Springfield residents should expect billboards, call campaigns and radio spots. He also said directing calls to city council members is a common strategy of lobbyist-funded call centers.

“They start beating up on the council members because they have the money to do it,” he said.

Councilwoman Cindy Rushefsky said she has been receiving unusual phone calls for about the last two weeks.

During these calls, Rushefsky said, a person identified as a Springfield citizen apparently asks a scripted question about a prescription requirement for pseudoephedrine.

Occasionally, Rushefsky said, she has heard the voice of a third person “coaching” the caller.

Rushefsky said she explained to the callers that an ordinance restricting pseudoephedrine has not yet been drafted and a council committee won’t even begin to discuss the measure until next month.

The issue is first being addressed at a Community Involvement Committee meeting scheduled for noon, Nov. 9. At that meeting, members could decide to come forward with a recommended bill for City Council to vote on, or choose to not address the issue.

Although the meeting is open to the public, citizens will not have an opportunity to speak.